Shankaracharya can’t touch deities: Daitapati Nijog

Puri: Shankaracharya of Govardhan Peeth, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati will be allowed to offer prayers but cannot touch the deities on the Snana Mandap during the Snana Yatra rituals on Friday, informed Daitapati Nijog secretary, Premanand Dasmohapatra.

Moreover, the Nijog also clarified that it will not assume the responsibility of ensuring enforcement of the ban on touching the deities.

“We will not be responsible if anyone touches the deities on the Snana Mandap. If anyone sneaks in and touches the deities, police has to take the responsibility,” said Dasmohapatra.

Meanwhile, the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief, IG Police and district Collector have assured of necessary arrangements to maintain discipline and facilitate millions of devotees for a Darshan of the deities during the Snana Yatra rituals. Also, the entire Srimandir premises would also be under CCTV surveillance.